Existing building commissioning, or retro-commissioning, applies the commissioning process to existing buildings. Retrocommissioning seeks to improve how building equipment and systems function together. Depending on the age of the building, this process often resolves problems that occurred during design or construction, as well as addressing problems that develop over time. The process improves the operations and maintenance (O&M) procedures of a building to enhance overall to building performance.

Retro-commissioning goals include providing a building that:

1. meets the unique needs of its owner and occupants

2. operates as efficiently as possible

3. provides a safe, comfortable work environment

4. is operated and maintained by a well-trained staff or service contractor

Importance of retro-commissioning

Commercial buildings frequently undergo operational and occupancy changes that challenge the mechanical, electrical and control systems of the building. These challenges often hinder optimal performance within the building. Today systems are highly interactive with sophisticated control systems that, when altered to accommodate occupancy changes often adversely impact the efficiency of building operations. These effects accumulate over time creating performance degradation. This translates into wasted energy and reliability problems that occur even in well designed and constructed buildings.

Benefits of retro-commissioning

Retrocommissioning reduces building operating costs that, for owners, leads to an increase in net operating income. Building managers deal with fewer occupant complaints and are able to manage systems more efficiently. Building manager(s) and staff receive training and improved documentation allowing them to better communicate with building occupants and more effectively address their needs.

Retro-commissioning can produce significant cost savings in existing buildings. Savings vary depending on the building type, its location, and the scope of the retrocommissioning process.

Recommissioning Process

The recommissioning process is best done during the planning and design phases of a project. Planning at this point guarantees better operational efficiency and lower overall energy consumption. This said, to help ensure that a facility maintains peak performance, preventative maintenance should be scheduled.

However, to help make sure your facility stays running at its peak performance, you should perform preventative maintenance to your building. This includes running diagnostics and checking the systems as part of a scheduled maintenance routine in a proactive and preventative approach to long-term, sustainable operation. This approach is important, if the building is to achieve and maintain fully-optimized operations throughout multiple occupancies.

Ultimately the goal of the recommissioning process is to set up the systems within a building so that they are fully functional, reliable, and maintainable.

It would be best to learn more information about retro-commissioning and recommissioning by contacting an experienced building commissioning company. They will be able to answer any questions you may have.